David Gulpilil (b. 1953), actor and dancer, was born near Maningrida in Arnhem Land, a man of the Mandalbingu people. After his electrifying appearance in Nicolas Roeg's film 'Walkabout' (1971), he became the best known Aboriginal actor of the 1970s. Other film appearances include 'Storm Boy' (1976), The Last Wave (1977) 'Crocodile Dundee' (1986) and 'Rabbit Proof Fence' (2002). Some years ago, Gulpilil returned to his ancestral lands to subsist through hunting crocodiles and fishing. He has explored the contradictions and difficulties of straddling traditional and European cultures in a smash one-man stage show, 'Gulpilil' (2004), conceived by Stephen Page and Neil Armfield, for which he received standing ovations at every performance. A portrait of Gulpilil by Craig Ruddy, 'David Gulpilil: two worlds' controversially won the Archibald Prize of 2004.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Juno Gemes/Copyright Agency, 2020
Accession number: 2005.72
Copyright image request form
Request a digital copy of an image for publication
Juno Gemes (19 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Timed ticketing, location, accessibility and amenities
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
Principal partner
Strategic partner
Cultural partner
Media partner
Beverage partner
Imaging partner
Digital partner
Audio visual partner
